Memory and Retrieval Terms

Memory

active system of receiving information from senses, integrating it, and storing it for future retrieval

Encoding

sensory information is converted in storable info

Information Processing Model

encoding information via transduction and storing via rehearsal/elaboration

Parallel Distributed Processing Model

focuses on handling of information in networks across brain as simultaneous processes for faster recollection

Levels-of-Processing Model

levels of deeper thinking require more conscious effort than sensory-based processes

Sensory Memory

information enters via senses and encoding as neural messages for possible access

Iconic Memory

capacity of all that can be seen as one

Masking

visual info displaced by new visual info

Eidetic Memory

ability for images to linger for a long time in memory

Echoic Memory

memory limited to what can be be heard in one moment, smaller than iconic capacity

Selective Attention

ability to focus on only one stimulus despite lots of sensory input

Short-Term Memory

lessening of “signal strength” in unselected stimuli

Working Memory

active system of processing present information

Central Executive Control

controls and coordinates systems of sketchpad of visuals and recorder of dialogue

Maintenance Rehearsal

repetition of encoded information

Long-Term Memory

storage of more/less permanent info that is available, but may not be accessible

Non-Declarative (Implicit) Memory

procedural and action-based and tied to amygdala (emotion) and hindbrain cerebellum (habits)

Declarative (Explicit) Memory

consists of facts

Elaborative Rehearsal

transferring from short to long term by making info meaningful

Semantic Memory

memory based on meanings, terms, and concepts

Episodic Memory

memory based on personal events

Semantic Network Model

assumes information stored via connected fashion

Retrieval Cues

used as stimulus for remembering information

Context-Dependent Learning

when external environment heightens retrieval probability

State-Dependent Learning

when internal environment heightens retrieval probability

Recall

retrieval memories with few/no external cues

Recognition

retrieval memories using cues of info already given and “recognizing”

Serial Position Effect

when information is more easily remembered in its being shown initially

Primacy Effect

more rehearsal time on account of being earlier in the list

Recency Effect

information being easier to recall due to just being encoded

Automatic Encoding

when info enters permanent storage with little/no effort

Flashbulb Memories

episodes tied to a strong emotional event (fear, sadness, joy)

Constructive Processing

when memories are often altered and information that is stored is reconstructed whenever recovered

Hindsight Bias

discarding incorrect prior perspective due to altered memory upon learning correct details

Misinformation Effect

misleading information that can become part of actual memory

Curve of Forgetting Graph

model of forgetting occurring quickly within the first hour of learning and then tapers off gradually

Distributed Practice

spacing out studying for repeated exposure and practice in retrieval

Encoding Failure

failing to process information into memory, especially if attention is not conscious

Memory Trace

when memory is formed and neuronal activity occurs

Disuse

when information isn’t used, causing memory to be completely lost

Proactive Interference

older information is used to interfere with learning of new material

Retroactive Interference

when new information interferes with learning of old information

Long Term Potentiation

repeated stimulation of synapses in message communication

Consolidation

when proteins in neuronal potentiation alter connections

Retrograde Amnesia

loss of memory from the injury point backwards, interrupting consolidation and losing information before complete encoding

Anterograde Amnesia

loss of memories from point of injury forward

Infantile Amnesia

not remembering first 2/3 years of life due to it consisting of implicit memories

Alzheimer’s Disease

when beta-amyloid plaques and protein tau begin to tangle, acetylcholine neurons break down, influencing memory construction and retrieval